Background

Research across the five Wiltshire authorities, including results from the Comprehensive Performance Assessments highlighted:

  • A lack of a shared appreciation locally about what the ‘community leadership’ role means in practice;
  • A member culture, which can sometimes focus on the ‘mechanics of running committees’ rather than the issues of real concern to local communities;      
  • A lack of time or commitment to engage in learning and development amongst some members;
  • Ineffective scrutiny where many reports are just ‘noted’ and don’t result in any changes;
  • That equalities and diversity issues have not been consistently mainstreamed within authorities and a need for more effective member understanding and engagement in community cohesion matters.
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Work and progress

The Member Development programme aims to help Members further improve their effectiveness as local community leaders, and specifically in their roles:  

  • Acting as the advocate for local people, understanding their needs and aspirations
  • Acting as the champion for their area with a high profile
  • Challenging and scrutinising services
  • Promoting customer first principles, through setting priorities and making tough choices to shape services around customers
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Officer group

The officer membership includes:

  • Julie Matthews, North Wiltshire District Council
  • John Quinton, Wiltshire County Council
  • Lynne Williams, Wiltshire County Council
  • Susan Thornton, West Wiltshire District Council
  • Phillip Hamilton, Kennet District Council
  • Paul Trennell, Salisbury District Council
  • Steve Milton, Salisbury District Council
  • Janice Gibson, Improvement & Development Agency
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Contact

Project lead:

John Quinton

Job title:

Democratic and Member Services Manager

Organisation:

Wiltshire County Council

Address:

County Hall, Bythesea Road, Trowbridge, Wiltshire. BA14 8JN

Telephone:

(01225) 713054

Fax:

(01225) 713089

E-mail:

johnquinton@wiltshire.gov.uk